Brewer’s Yeast for Lactation – Benefits & Side effects

Every child needs breastfeeding in the initial growth, and every mother is ready to make several amends to ensure her child is provided with essential nutrients through her breast milk. However, issues with breast milk supply can raise several questions and concerns in a nursing mother’s mind, and she would be tempted to try every possible remedy to help her produce ample breast milk. One of the galactagogues believed to help resolve breast milk supply issues is the consumption of brewer’s yeast when breastfeeding. However, you may have many doubts and questions regarding whether it is safe, how long to take it for and many more. In this article, we aim to resolve any doubt you have regarding brewer’s yeast and its usage for promoting lactation. Read on to know more! 

What Is Brewer’s Yeast?

Brewer’s yeast is made from a one-celled fungus called Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is commonly used in the production of beer, cookies, and bread. However, it is also used as a nutritional supplement by many. It is a rich source of chromium, B-complex vitamins, protein, selenium, and trace minerals. (1)

Is It Safe For Breastfeeding Mothers?

Yes, brewer’s yeast is safe for breastfeeding mothers as long as they are not allergic to the contents. 

Does Consuming Brewer’s Yeast Help in Breast Milk Production?

When it comes to getting to the root of breast milk supply issues, several factors are needed to be explored. Determining the root of the problem and seeking professional guidance through a lactation consultant is highly recommended, especially to know whether or not it is perceived low breast milk supply. Also, there is not enough evidence that brewer’s yeast is an effective galactagogue. Although it is considered safe for nursing mothers to consume brewer’s yeast through foods like bread, cookies, etc., in moderate quantities, it doesn’t guarantee that breast milk supply issues will be treated. (2)a

How Much Time Does It Take To Increase Milk Supply?

Although there is not much scientific proof, anecdotal evidence suggests that brewer’s yeast can increase your milk supply after a couple of days of usage. However, it is quite possible that you may not see any change at all.  

Ideal Dosage Of Brewer’s Yeast During Lactation

The most common dosage of Brewer’s yeast is 3 tablespoons per day. Brewers yeast while breastfeeding can be beneficiali if taken regularly. 

What Is The Best Way To Take Brewer’s Yeast?

The best way to take brewer’s yeast is to add it to water, juices, or shakes. 

Health Benefits Of Brewer’s Yeast

Brewer’s yeast benefits are many. It is full of important nutrients and vitamins which contribute to a person’s immunity. It is an excellent source of protein and is known to improve skin health. 

Side Effects of Brewer’s Yeast for Breastfeeding

Brewer’s yeast, as a nutritional supplement, is considered to be safe for breastfeeding women. It is generally well–tolerated by young moms and little infants as it passes into the baby’s body through the breastmilk.

You must always find out about the potentially dangerous drug interactions of any supplement to prevent the side effects. For this, you must consult your doctor or the lactation consultant to know about the medication, supplement or herb that you are going to consume. Though the side effects of this supplement are mild, they include the following:

1. Yeast Infection in Vagina

Brewer’s yeast does not always have the same effect on everybody who consumes it. If you happen to be prone to yeast infections, it is advisable to avoid consuming it.

2. Hypoglycemia Complications or Diabetes

Brewer’s yeast sometimes lowers the blood sugar to a dangerous level, and sometimes it interferes with the medications that you may be taking. You must consult your doctor if you are diagnosed with hypoglycemia or diabetes.

3. Diarrhoea, Abdominal upset or Gas Formation

If you or your child develops some colic-like symptoms or feels irritable, you should instantly decide to reduce the intake of brewer’s yeast. If anyone of you has any stomach issues or suffer from diarrhoea, you must stop taking it altogether.

When Should Breastfeeding Mothers Avoid Taking Brewer’s Yeast?

Mothers should avoid brewer’s yeast if they are allergic to yeast or have diabetes. 

Simple And Tasty Brewer’s Yeast Breastfeeding Recipes

Here are some simple and tasty receipes for Brewer’s yeast for you to make while breastfeeding.

1. Brownies

Ingredients

• 1 box of your favourite brownie mix
• 1 egg
• 4 tbsp. debittered brewer’s yeast
• 2 tbsp. flaxseed
• Water/ Oil according to brownie mix instructions
• 1 Extra tbsp. water
• 1 Cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients
2. Combine wet ingredients
3. Mix it all together
4. Bake according to box instructions

2. Triple Berry Waffles

Ingredients

• Waffle mix
• Berries of your choice
• Flax seeds
• Brewer’s Yeast
• Oats

Instructions

1. Add in the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients
2. Make the waffles like you usually would
3. Top them off with berries

3. Green Smoothie

Ingredients

• Spinach
• Banana
• Brewer’s Yeast
• Blueberries

Instructions

1. Blend all the ingredients together in a blender
2. Serve chilled

4. Protein Shake

Ingredients 

• Protein powder
• Milk or water
• Brewer’s yeast

Instructions

1. Blend all the ingredients together in a blender
2. Serve with your favourite toppings

FAQs

1. Can Brewers Yeast Cause Gas In A Baby?

Yes, it is possible for Brewer’s Yeast to cause gas in your baby.

2. Can You Lose Weight When Consuming Brewer’s Yeast During Breastfeeding?

No, it is not certain whether brewer’s yeast can cause weight loss during breastfeeding. 

Brewer’s yeast is traditionally known to be a recourse for nursing mothers to increase the supply of milk during lactation. Brewer’s yeast pills for breastfeeding are very common to find, and it is available in powder and tablet form as well. Mums who are extremely concerned about the use of this supplement should consult a medical practitioner. All in all, this is a wonder supplement that should be consumed only if it suits the body very well.

Disclaimer: Everybody is different, and milk production depends on a lot of factors. Some women can’t make milk is a myth until they have gone through traumatic surgery on the breasts or any chemo sessions. There are certain galactagogues that can be consumed to increase breast milk, but it can’t be guaranteed as milk production also depends on a lot of different factors. Because there is no evidence of brewer’s yeast in milk supply availability, we cannot help but recommend you seek professional guidance from your doctor or a lactation consultant who can help dig deeper to examine the root cause.

References:

1. Brewer’s Yeast; Health Encyclopedia – University of Rochester Medical Center, https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=19, n.d.

2. Forinash, A. B., Yancey, A. M., et. al.: The use of galactogogues in the breastfeeding mother; NCBI,  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23012383/, October 2012

Also Read: Healthy Recipes for Breastfeeding Mothers to Boost Lactation